ICC urges members to be true to zero tolerance on racism

Speaking in the wake of reports of racist behaviour by sections of the crowd during Wednesday’s ODI between India and Australia in Mumbai, Speed said that traditionally racism has not been a significant issue for cricket, and appealed to the nations “to enact the terms of the ICC Anti-Racism Code as firmly as possible.”

“It is a sport that we are proud to say is well-known for respect, tolerance, diversity and fair play and we are keen to ensure it stays that way.

“If people are seen or heard behaving in a racist way then our message to the ground authorities and host boards is clear: find the culprits, throw them out and keep them out because racism has no place in our sport.,” he said in a statement.

Expressing pleasure over the arrest of some offenders in Mumbai during the match, he said: “That is the type of zero tolerance we want in relation to this despicable behaviour.”

Speed confirmed the ICC had received a response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to a previous request for information on reported incidents at the ODI between Australia and India in Vadodara on October 11.

“The BCCI has undertaken to obtain reports from independent sources concerning that match and we look forward to receiving those reports as soon as possible,” he said.

“In the meantime, we are pleased to see the BCCI, in concert with Cricket Australia, has publicly condemned racism as such behaviour has no place anywhere, least of all at a cricket ground,” he added.

He said he had written to the BCCI again on Thursday to get its comments concerning the behaviour of sections of the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium.

“I have reiterated that we are keen to ensure that all aspects of the Code are being carried out and if they are not then we will want to know why,” he said.

Speed further said that he had also received a response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to his letter asking for details of alleged racist abuse aimed at South Africa players and team officials in Lahore during the second Test match.

“The PCB confirmed details of the abuse and that action was taken immediately against the offenders in keeping with the ICC Anti-Racism Code. It also confirmed its commitment to the Code and its requirements, and that is heartening,” he said. (ANI)